Contributed by Gary Porter, RS
When dangerous wildfires swept through Los Angeles County last year, they destroyed more than 16,000 structures within 48 hours. Wildfires are a continual threat for communities in parts of the country, and it’s important to take steps to protect lives and property. September is National Preparedness Month and provides opportunities to implement critical lessons on wildfire mitigation.
Following the Los Angeles fires, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety conducted detailed investigations into the damage. They examined 252 properties and collected more than 60 data points. Their findings identify three factors that determine whether structures survive: separation, connective fuels, and building materials.
The research quantified how building spacing affects survival. At separations of less than 10 feet, even homes with four wildfire-resistant features had less than a 50% chance of avoiding damage. When density cannot be changed, managing connective fuels and hardening buildings becomes critical.
Nearly every property surveyed had combustible materials within 5 feet of buildings. Everyday items became deadly fuel sources: trash bins, deck furniture, hot tubs, and decorative pergolas. Fences proved particularly problematic. Investigators repeatedly found vegetation growing along noncombustible fences. Fire used these vegetated fence lines as pathways through neighborhoods.
The report found few structures incorporated comprehensive protection systems. The data is clear: Structures with four kinds of wildfire-hardening characteristics had a 54% chance of evading damage under severe conditions. Structures with only one or two features had just a 36% survival rate.
Windows were often the first to fail. Single-pane or annealed glass cracked under heat. Vinyl frames softened, causing panes to fall out. Metal-framed windows with tempered glass performed significantly better.
Vents represented widespread weakness. Nearly all surveyed structures either lacked mesh screens or had openings larger than the recommended 1/8 inch, allowing ember entry into attic spaces.
Doors showed vulnerabilities at thresholds where embers accumulated, igniting from the bottom up.
Eaves were frequently open, providing flame pathways to roof assemblies.
Based on the report’s findings, here are practical steps associations can take to mitigate damage:
Immediate actions:
- Replace all vent screens with 1/8-inch mesh or ember-resistant vents.
- Remove all combustible materials within 5 feet of buildings.
- Reduce Zone 1 vegetation density; keep fuel coverage below 25%.
- Move trash enclosures, bins, and furniture away from buildings.
- Establish continuous debris removal from roofs, gutters, and landscape areas.
Medium-term improvements:
- Upgrade to multipane windows with tempered glass and noncombustible frames.
- Install fire-rated exterior doors (minimum 20-minute rating).
- Inspect fire doors in high-rise buildings regularly.
- Enclose open eaves during building renovations.
- Maintain vegetation-free zones along all fence lines.
Long-term planning:
- Prioritize fire ratings in capital planning for roofs, siding, and windows.
- Develop comprehensive fire mitigation plans addressing all three pillars.
- Coordinate with neighboring properties on shared risk reduction.
The most important lesson is that piecemeal mitigation fails. For associations, the challenges lie in coordinating improvements across buildings and securing funding. Empowerment comes from recognizing maintenance standards, landscape policies, and capital planning provide control over many protective factors.
While wildfire risk cannot be eliminated, community resilience can be dramatically improved through systematic mitigation. The time to act is now. Review properties for connective fuel pathways. Audit buildings for vulnerable components. Develop multiyear plans to strengthen defenses systematically.
Gary Porter, CEO of Facilities Advisors International in North Las Vegas, Nev., is a CAI past president and founding member of the CAI California Channel Islands Chapter.
>>Read more about the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety wildfire report at ibhs.org.
>>Check daily wildfire status at National Fire News | National Interagency Fire Center.
